Morocco qualify for African Nations Championship

JOHANNESBURG: A three-goal blitz earned Morocco a 3-1 home victory over Egypt and a place at the 2018 African Nations Championship in Kenya.

The Moroccans won the final round qualifier 4-2 on aggregate having come from behind to draw the first leg 1-1 in Alexandria last weekend.

After a goalless opening half in Rabat, Jawad Yamiq broke the deadlock in the 50th minute and Abderrahim Maqran and Badr Belhrouz stretched the lead to three goals.

Hamid Hossam scored a late consolation goal for Egypt, who were debuting in the biennial competition for home-based footballers.

Libya drew 1-1 with Algeria in Tunisian city Sfax to squeeze through 3-2 on aggregate after a shock 2-1 first-leg triumph seven days ago.

Algeria had to score at least twice to survive and took the lead midway through the first half when Sofiane Bendebka scored off a rebound.

But first-leg match-winner Muaid Ellafi levelled on the night in firsthalf stoppage time and Libya kept Algeria at bay in the closing 45 minutes of the tie.

Hosts Kenya automatically qualify for the 16-team Nations Championship tournament to be held next January.

Equatorial Guinea secured a place without kicking a ball after opponents Gabon withdrew before the first leg.

A further 12 second legs will be played between today and Tuesday. — AFP